Orphaned elephant calf rescued in Zambezi National Park

Ivan Zhakata

Herald Correspondent

A JOINT rescue operation by the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks), the Forestry Commission, the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust, and Wild is Life has successfully saved an orphaned elephant calf that was found wandering alone in the Zambezi National Park near Victoria Falls.

The 18-month-old calf, which is still of milk-drinking age, was first sighted two weeks ago in the Chambonda area, appearing weak, dehydrated and struggling to keep up with other elephant herds.

The authorities believed the calf had lost its mother, as elephant mothers rarely abandon their young.

They said the lone elephant was later seen being chased by a pack of hyenas, prompting an urgent response by conservation teams to locate and rescue it.

After several days of searching under extreme heat conditions, the teams located the calf near Chambonda Tented Camp on Wednesday.

The animal was darted safely and transported to Panda Masuie, a rehabilitation sanctuary for orphaned elephants managed by Wild is Life and its partners.

“It is never easy to move an elephant, even a baby,” said a Wild is Life in a statement.

“The team had to monitor its breathing and body temperature throughout the 40-minute journey to ensure its safety.”

Upon arrival at Panda Masuie, the calf was received by the resident herd, which responded with deep rumbles and trumpeting sounds as the new member was introduced.

The sanctuary reported that two elephants, Norah and Annabelle, were the first to approach and comfort the newcomer, displaying strong maternal instincts.

The herd remained close throughout the night, with caretakers keeping watch as the calf adjusted to its new surroundings.

By the following morning, the elephant had taken its first full bottle of milk under the care of Paradzai, one of the sanctuary’s most experienced handlers — a positive sign that the animal was beginning to recover.

Wild is Life and its partners said the successful rescue underscores the importance of rapid response and inter-agency collaboration in wildlife conservation.

“This operation shows what can be achieved when conservation agencies work together to protect vulnerable animals,” the organisation said.

The calf is now under continuous monitoring at Panda Masuie, where it will remain until it is strong enough to join the sanctuary’s integrated elephant herd.